Chapter 180: Asuma-sensei Said (Seeking Subscriptions and Monthly Votes)
Night.
Yūhi Kurenai and Shizune had indeed stayed at Tsunade's place, and they had even changed their way of addressing her.
Before, they called her Lady Tsunade, but now they called her Sister Tsunade.
Women are truly fickle!
Sarutobi Asuma, with his thick skin, also refused to leave the Senju Ancestral Home.
With the company of three women for training, his life had become much more colorful.
In the blink of an eye, it was Leaf Village Year 50, and the New Year was fast approaching.
The experiment base.
The Shadow Clone pointed at the Sharingan in the container and said, "This is the fourth pair of Mangekyo!"
"However, with conventional methods, not every Sharingan has the potential to become a Mangekyo."
"Not even every pair can reach the Three Tomoe stage."
Sarutobi Asuma nodded.
This was not surprising.
The Uchiha clan, after so many generations, had varying degrees of genetic completeness in each individual.
Not every Uchiha could awaken their Sharingan, even with intense emotional stimulation.
It was the same for the Hyuga clan; not every Hyuga could awaken the Byakugan.
"After so long, shouldn't we give the Uchiha some results?"
The Shadow Clone said.
Sarutobi Asuma pondered, "Indeed, it's time to show some results."
Initially, Uchiha Fugaku had given him three pairs of Three Tomoe Sharingan and five pairs of Two Tomoe Sharingan.
In subsequent collaborations, Uchiha Fugaku had also contributed the Uchiha clan's existing stock.
In total, there were 4 pairs of Three Tomoe, 6 pairs of Two Tomoe, and 9 pairs of single-stage Sharingan.
Although he didn't know if this was the entirety of the Uchiha clan's reserves, it was likely close.
After all, those who died of old age wouldn't leave their Sharingan behind.
And there were certainly many who lost their Sharingan in battles.
While other villages in the Ninja World didn't possess the Sharingan, it didn't mean that the major villages hadn't researched it.
Moreover, Uchiha Madara had spare Three Tomoe Sharingan back then.
After a moment of thought, Sarutobi Asuma said, "Let's start with one pair of Mangekyo and three pairs of Three Tomoe."
He didn't have the intention of upgrading all the Sharingan to Mangekyo.
Of course, he could if he wanted to.
But that would mean cultivating a separate clone for each pair of Mangekyo, a clone with complete Uchiha genes, or even the genes of a Sage.
Furthermore, he also needed to control the number of Mangekyo the Uchiha possessed.
It could be said that one's position determined their perspective!
"Understood!"
The Shadow Clone nodded, then took out a pair of Mangekyo and three pairs of Three Tomoe Sharingan that had basically lost their potential, saying with a smile, "This should be a New Year's gift for the Uchiha!"
A New Year's gift?
Sarutobi Asuma blinked, then thought of Yūhi Kurenai, Shizune, and Tsunade.
Should he also prepare a gift?
But what kind of gift would be appropriate?
Tsk, this was a bit of a headache!
Exiting the experiment base, Sarutobi Asuma headed straight home.
Fifteen minutes later, Uchiha Fugaku arrived.
After they sat down, Sarutobi Asuma didn't waste time with pleasantries and directly produced a sealed scroll, saying, "This contains a pair of Mangekyo and three pairs of Three Tomoe Sharingan. The Three Tomoe have basically lost their potential."
Uchiha Fugaku looked at the sealed scroll on the table, his usually stern expression involuntarily moved, and joy flickered in his eyes.
After waiting for so long, there was finally a result.
Mangekyo!
Fugaku's hands resting on his knees trembled slightly.
He didn't know how powerful the Mangekyo was, but the fact that it could easily control a monster like the Nine-Tails was enough of an indication.
As for the three pairs of Three Tomoe Sharingan that had lost their potential, he completely ignored them.
With Sharingan like these, they can only be treated as consumables.
However, despite his excitement, Uchiha Fugaku managed to maintain his composure and bowed, saying, "Thank you, Asuma-sensei. You've worked hard!"
Sarutobi Asuma nodded and replied, "The Fourth Hokage and I hope that the Uchiha can walk the right path and contribute their strength to Konoha's power."
"The glory of the Uchiha should not be dwelling in the past, but rather forging even more brilliant glory in the future."
Uchiha Fugaku was taken aback.
Sarutobi Asuma continued, "Mangekyo Sharingan like these, and Sharingan in general, are not a long-term solution."
"One's own strength is what is truly real!"
"Fugaku, if you don't mind me saying, within the Uchiha clan, Shisui and Itachi both have the potential to awaken the Mangekyo."
Uchiha Fugaku said, "Thank you for the reminder, Asuma-sensei!"
"You're welcome!"
Sarutobi Asuma waved his hand, got up, and walked out. He stood on the porch and said, "The power of the Mangekyo is indeed not weak, but what truly makes one powerful is the person themselves, not their Kekkei Genkai."
"Moreover, compared to the enemies hidden in the shadows of the Ninja World, the power of the Mangekyo is not worth mentioning."
Uchiha Fugaku's heart skipped a beat, then he steadied his mind, thinking to himself, Uchiha Madara...
Just then, Sarutobi Asuma's voice came again, "And beyond the Ninja World, there are even more unknown enemies."
"Beyond the Ninja World?"
Uchiha Fugaku was confused. Just as he was about to ask, Sarutobi Asuma added, "Fugaku, I don't recommend you use these Mangekyo Sharingan."
Recalling his thoughts, Uchiha Fugaku immediately replied, "Of course."
"I have confidence that I can awaken the Mangekyo Sharingan myself!"
Sarutobi Asuma turned back and smiled, "I believe you have the ability, Fugaku!"
...
Full of ambition, Uchiha Fugaku returned home, opened the sealing scroll, and took out containers holding Sharingan.
After much thought, he decided who would possess the Mangekyo Sharingan.
Uchiha Yashiro!
"Although Yashiro is older, his potential has just about reached its limit."
"He has ample experience and a calm, collected mindset. I believe he can use these eyes very well."
Uchiha Fugaku put away the Sharingan.
As for the Three Tomoe Sharingan, they would be treated as consumables to protect the Uchiha and Konoha.
At this moment, Uchiha Fugaku heard his son's footsteps returning. He looked up and saw that it was almost sunset.
He stood up and went to the corridor, looking at his eldest son, on whom he had placed great expectations. Uchiha Fugaku asked, "Did you gain anything today?"
Uchiha Itachi was accustomed to such questions and respectfully replied, "Today, Asuma-sensei told us that the foundation and strength of power lies within the ninja themselves, in their physical body and mental will."
"Chakra is an extension of these two, and Ninjutsu, Genjutsu, Kekkei Genkai, and so on, are all materializations of Chakra, and extensions of the physical body and mental will!"
"There is no strongest Ninjutsu, no strongest Kekkei Genkai, and no perfect technique in this world!"
Uchiha Fugaku was stunned. He recalled what Sarutobi Asuma had said to him earlier, and then asked, "So, what did you gain?"
Uchiha Itachi replied, "The essence of Chakra!"
"Very good!"
Uchiha Fugaku nodded with satisfaction.
At this moment, Uchiha Itachi asked, "Father, have you experienced Asuma-sensei's strength?"
To him, Sarutobi Asuma was a legend.
Although he taught them knowledge in the Genin Preparatory Class, he only displayed the superficial aspects, often delivering words that made one ponder deeply and gain immense insight.
Therefore, he couldn't help but be curious.
How powerful was this renowned new Ninja Demigod, and how did he compare to his father?
Uchiha Fugaku, however, fell silent at the question, recalling how he had been frozen by a Genjutsu from Sarutobi Asuma two years ago.
How big was the gap?
He didn't know either.
So, Uchiha Fugaku thought for a moment and said, "In front of Asuma-sensei, even the Three Tomoe Sharingan is insignificant."
Even the Mangekyo would likely be the same.
Uchiha Fugaku added in his heart.
Uchiha Itachi was startled.
He deeply understood the power of the Sharingan.
Even before awakening it, his strength already surpassed that of everyone else in the Ninja Academy, including those in the sixth grade.
His abilities saw a significant leap after awakening his eyes.
If a single tomoe was like this, then three tomoes must be immensely powerful.
Yet, such strength was insignificant to that person.
Uchiha Fugaku sensed his son's inner turmoil and said, "You can respect great power, but you must not fear it!"
Uchiha Itachi recalled the countless corpses on the battlefield years ago and the Stone Ninja he had killed, lowering his head as he replied, "Yes, Father!"
The next day.
While training with Uchiha Shisui, Itachi couldn't help but ask during a break, "Shisui, you must have killed many people during the last Ninja World War, right?"
"Yes, I did."
Uchiha Shisui nodded, then turned to look at Uchiha Itachi, reminiscing, "Back then, I was with Teacher Asuma, counter-attacking the Mist Ninja."
"We went from defense to steadily pushing south, driving the Mist Ninja into the southern peninsula. In the end, we cornered some of them by the sea, including the current Fourth Mizukage."
"Later, the Third Mizukage of the Mist Village came with reinforcements, but he was still repelled by Teacher Asuma."
"During that war, if it weren't for Teacher Asuma, many of our comrades would have perished."
Uchiha Itachi asked, "Why do wars happen, and this endless killing?"
"Ninja possess great power, yet they use it for slaughter instead of protecting peace."
Uchiha Shisui paused for a moment, then smiled, "Itachi, you've asked a question that's very difficult to answer."
"I doubt even the Hokage could provide a definitive answer!"
"I've asked Teacher Asuma similar questions before."
Uchiha Itachi's eyes lit up, and he looked at Uchiha Shisui with anticipation.
Uchiha Shisui held the wakizashi gifted to him by Sarutobi Asuma and said, "There are many reasons for war: survival, ambition, hatred, and even peace."
"Peace?"
Uchiha Itachi was surprised.
Uchiha Shisui nodded, "Yes, peace!"
"Just like in the last Ninja World War, we fought for our village, for the peace of the Land of Fire."
"We weren't invading any country, nor were we seeking to gain benefits."
"Therefore, the purpose of our war and killing was peace."
Upon hearing this, Uchiha Itachi murmured, "I see."
Uchiha Shisui continued, "Teacher Asuma once said that whether a person's power is righteous or evil doesn't depend on the power itself, nor on the will of the person wielding it!"
Uchiha Itachi asked, confused, "Why is that?"
"If someone kills out of malicious intent, are they not evil?"
Uchiha Shisui retorted, "Then, if someone were to cast genjutsu on everyone in the world, immersing them in a fabricated reality, all for the sake of achieving peace, would they be righteous or evil?"
Uchiha Itachi was stunned.
Uchiha Shisui smiled slightly, "Therefore, righteousness and evil depend on the outcome!"
"To cast genjutsu on everyone in the world, immersing them in a fabricated reality and controlling them, that is a false peace."
"Teacher Asuma said that one should not fear power, but rather respect it, and at the same time, control and grasp power, not be controlled by it."
"All of a person's strength originates from within themselves, from their body and their mental will!"
"As for war and peace, Teacher Asuma once said that there is no eternal peace in this world, just like the animals in the forest, where strife and killing are endless."
"Even someone as powerful as Teacher Asuma can only strive for longer periods of peace."
"A hundred years, or three hundred years, or even longer."
Uchiha Itachi's eyes shone as he listened, "A hundred, or even three hundred years without killing?"
"How can that be achieved?"
Uchiha Shisui uttered two words: "Unification!"
His expression turned serious, "Unify the Ninja World, abolish the major ninja villages and the disputes between the great nations!"
"Just like within our village, even if there are internal conflicts, they don't directly resort to force and bloodshed."
"At that time, it would surely end the cycle of Ninja World Wars that erupts periodically in the current Ninja World."
Uchiha Itachi's expression changed, "But wouldn't that lead to an even greater war?"
Uchiha Shisui said, "Fifty years ago, the Senju Clan and our Uchiha Clan joined forces to create Konoha, thereby ending the warring states period that had lasted for hundreds and thousands of years."
"The First Hokage, and Uchiha Madara back then, both sought peace and wanted to prevent children from going to the battlefield."
"Afterward, the system of one country, one ninja village emerged. The First Hokage, for the sake of ninja world peace, distributed the nine Tailed Beasts to the major ninja villages, thus balancing the strength of each village, and this indeed brought peace to the Ninja World."
"However, after the battle at the Valley of the End, when the First Hokage passed away, this peace was ultimately shattered, and the First Great Ninja War broke out, with a scale far exceeding the conflicts between the major ninja clans during the Warring States period."
"The Second Hokage chose to fight to the death to protect the village."
"After that, a large-scale Ninja World War would break out once every decade or so, and there have been three such wars to date."
Uchiha Shisui looked at Uchiha Itachi and asked, "Itachi, you know about the disaster that struck the village two years ago, don't you?"
Uchiha Itachi nodded.
Uchiha Shisui continued, "After that, the Stone Ninja Village, Mist Ninja Village, and Cloud Ninja Village all mobilized again. If it weren't for Teacher Asuma's incredibly strong victory over the Fourth Raikage and his capture of the Cloud Ninja Village's Eight-Tails Jinchuriki, a Ninja World War would have inevitably broken out again."
"With Teacher Asuma's strength, as long as he's around, the other four great ninja villages wouldn't dare to start another war, and the Ninja World would remain peaceful."
"But it's just like the era when the First Hokage and the others lived."
"When Teacher Asuma is not here, who else can suppress the situation in the Ninja World?"
"Our descendants might also, like Teacher Asuma and the others, have to step onto the battlefield before they turn ten, either killing others or being killed by others."
"Therefore, we need to eliminate the divisions between ninja villages and the divisions between countries."
"Unify the Ninja World, and let the Ninja World be like Konoha is now; the original countries and ninja villages would be like the individual ninja clans within Konoha today."
"Perhaps the various ninja clans have their own interests and internal conflicts, but since Konoha's founding, there have never been large-scale coups or massacres."
Uchiha Itachi was stunned, and then a strange tremor ran through his body. "Unify the Ninja World..."
"Can... can we do it?"
Uchiha Shisui smiled. "Isn't that precisely the meaning of our existence as ninja?"
"The meaning of being a ninja..."
Uchiha Itachi looked at Uchiha Shisui with longing.
Uchiha Shisui nodded heavily. "That's right!"
"Teacher Asuma once said that the meaning of being a ninja isn't about whether we are Genin or Jonin, whether we possess the One-Tomoe Sharingan or the Three-Tomoe Sharingan, nor is it about the glory we carry."
"It's about what we live for, and what we die for!"
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